T-122 Sakarya

Multiple launch rocket system

The T-122 Sakarya
artillery rocket system is a Turkish variant of the BM-21 Grad

Entered service

1997

Crew

5 men

Dimensions and weight

Weight

~ 22.2 t

Length

9.2 m

Width

2.5
m

Height

3.1 m

Armament

Caliber

122-mm

Number of tubes

40

Rocket weight

?

Warhead weight

?

Firing range

3 - 40 km

Full salvo duration

80 s

Reloading time

?

Mobility

Engine

diesel

Engine power

?

Maximum road speed

75 km/h

Range

970 km

Maneuverability

Gradient

60%

Side slope

40%

Vertical step

~ 0.6 m

Trench

~ 1 m

Fording

~ 1.2 m

The T-122
Sakarya multiple launch rocket system is a Turkish variant of the
BM-21 Grad. Prototype of this system was
revealed in 1995. First vehicles were delivered to the Turkish Army
for trials and evaluation in 1996 and full-rate production commenced in 1997.
This artillery system is produced locally by the MKEM. By
2008 more than 72 systems have been delivered and production still
continues. It is also proposed for export customers.

It is an
autonomous artillery rocket system, used for indirect fire support
against aerial targets, enemy artillery units, air defense systems,
command centers and supply lines. It is mostly used in hit-and-run
style attacks.

There are
two packs of 122-mm launch tubes. Each pack contains 20 launch
tubes. The launcher is hydraulically traversed and elevated. The
T-122 Sakarya fires rockets indigenously developed and manufactured
by MKEK and Roketsan. The system is also compatible with 122-mm
rockets of the BM-21 Grad and similar systems. Rockets are fitted
with HE-FRAG and cluster warheads. The last mentioned contains
anti-personnel or anti-tank submunitions. Maximum range of fire with
extended-range rockets is
up to 40 km.

It is worth
mentioning that launcher packs of the T-122 are also used on
Azerbaijan Lynx
and Kazakhstan's
Naiza artillery rocket systems.

The T-122
Sakarya MLRS is fitted with a modern on-board fire control system. It
calculates firing data automatically for rockets with different
warheads. It also stores up to 20 target locations. Launcher vehicle
can fire single rockets or full salvo. A full salvo of 40 rockets is
launched in 80 seconds. It covers area of 500 x 500 m.

Four
stabilizers are lowered to the ground to provide a more stable
firing platform. A crew of five prepares the launch vehicle for
firing within several minutes. In emergency case the launcher
vehicle can be operated by a crew of three.

Earlier
production model of the T-122 Sakarya launcher vehicle is based on
the German MAN 26.281 heavy utility truck. It is fitted with a
roof-mounted 7.62-mm machine gun.

Improved variant of the
T-122 was revealed in 2005. It is based on the MAN 26.372 truck. The
same military truck is also used as the launcher vehicle for the
T-300 Kasirga. Improved system is fitted with factory-sealed rocket
pods. These were specifically designed to resists severe
environmental conditions. Maintenance-free pods are loaded and
sealed in the factory. Pods are disposed after all rockets are
launched. Such artillery system has a shorter reloading time. The
MAN 26.372 can be fitted with add-on armor and NBC protection
system. This truck is also fitted with a roof-mounted 7.62-mm
machine gun.

Reloading of
the T-122 Sakarya is
assisted by a hydraulic crane, which is mounted on the launcher vehicle.
Improved variant with disposable rocket pods is reloaded within 5
minutes.

Typically a
battery of T-122 includes six launcher vehicles and command vehicle, however a single
launcher vehicle can operate independently.